An examination of 200 of the top-selling
cough and cold, allergy, analgesic,
and gastrointestinal over-the-counter
liquid medications for children finds
that there have been high levels of variability
and inconsistencies regarding
medication labeling and measuring devices,
according to a study in JAMA,
the Journal of the American Medical
Association.

Researchers conducted a study to
determine the prevalence of inconsistent
dosing directions and measuring
devices among 200 top-selling pediatric
oral liquid OTC medications. Nearly
all contained one or more inconsistencies
between the labeled directions and
the accompanying measuring device
with respect to doses listed or marked
on the device. Almost a quarter of
products lacked necessary markings.

According to the researchers, the
risks posed by confusing or inconsistent
dosing directions on pediatric OTC
medication packaging and measuring
devices may vary, yet the potential for
harm is substantial. More than half
of U.S. children are exposed to one
or more medications in a given week,
and more than half of these are
OTC medications.